Journal article
The association between essentialist attitudes and parental distress: A mixed-methods study
Family relations, v 74(4), pp 2146-2166
01 Oct 2025
Abstract
ObjectiveThis mixed-methods study investigated how maternal essentialist attitudes impact parental distress and depression symptoms while amplifying mothers' narratives.BackgroundThe relation between intensive mothering attitudes and markers of poor mental well-being in mothers remains evident, yet the mechanisms underpinning these associations have yet to be fully elucidated. By leveraging symbolic interactionism and a feminist perspective, this study reveals the impact of traditional gender ideals related to parenting young children and its association with parental distress and depression. We also advocate for societal and policy changes across domestic, public, and clinical spheres to address and rectify these issues for promoting equitable social change.MethodParticipants were 255 mothers of 3- to 5-year-old children in the United States who completed an online survey. Hierarchical regression was used to estimate the associations between essentialist attitudes, parental distress, and symptoms of depression. Thematic analysis was used to assess qualitative responses.ResultsEssentialist attitudes significantly predicted variation in reports of parental distress but not depression symptomology. Qualitative responses revealed themes that help explain the quantitative results, including an emphasis on gendered parenting messages from society.ConclusionEssentialist attitudes was related to more maternal parenting distress. Mothers perceived themselves to be under more parenting pressure than fathers.ImplicationsDismantling intensive mothering requires the elevation of fathers through practical policy change.
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Details
- Title
- The association between essentialist attitudes and parental distress: A mixed-methods study
- Creators
- Casey M. McGregor (Corresponding Author) - University of Rhode IslandRachel B. Shannon - Drexel University
- Publication Details
- Family relations, v 74(4), pp 2146-2166
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Number of pages
- 21
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); Center for Weight, Eating and Lifestyle Science (WELL) [Historical]
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001460775200001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-105002379440
- Other Identifier
- 991022197411804721